DFTT vs. BUFX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

DFTT (DF Tactical 30 ETF) and BUFX (FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFTT is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the DF Risk-Managed Tactical Top 30 Index, while BUFX is a Defined Outcome fund managed by First Trust. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFTT charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.96%/yr for BUFX.

Performance

DFTT vs. BUFX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DF Tactical 30 ETF (DFTT) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFTT achieves a 23.84% return, which is significantly higher than BUFX's 4.26% return.

DFTT

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 8.26%
• YTD: 23.84%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BUFX

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 4.26%
• 6M: 5.03%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DFTT vs. BUFX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DFTT DF Tactical 30 ETF	23.84%	-0.04%
BUFX FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF	4.26%	1.29%

Correlation

The correlation between DFTT and BUFX is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2025	0.77

Return for Risk

DFTT vs. BUFX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DF Tactical 30 ETF (DFTT) and FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFTT	BUFX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.14	2.72	-0.58

Drawdowns

DFTT vs. BUFX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFTT drawdown since its inception was -10.46%, which is greater than BUFX's maximum drawdown of -2.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFTT and BUFX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFTT	BUFX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.46%	-2.87%	-7.59%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.22%	-0.24%	-1.98%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DFTT	BUFX	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.18%	3.97%	+18.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.18%	3.97%	+18.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.18%	3.97%	+18.21%

DFTT vs. BUFX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFTT has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than BUFX's 0.96% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFTT vs. BUFX - Dividend Comparison

Neither DFTT nor BUFX has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFTT and BUFX in my portfolio?

DFTT and BUFX have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DFTT or BUFX?

On fees, DFTT is cheaper at 0.70% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFTT or BUFX?

DFTT is cheaper with a 0.70% expense ratio, compared with 0.96% for BUFX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFTT or BUFX?

DFTT and BUFX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between DFTT and BUFX?

DFTT is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while BUFX is Defined Outcome. They also come from different issuers: Donoghue Forlines and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for DFTT and 0.96% for BUFX.